Happy Friday, everyone; we made it to the weekend. We have had a barrage of severe weather impact the local region over the last couple of days, and the trend continues today, with more severe weather expected. A cold front is expected to bring more rain and thunderstorm activity to the region; however, the risk of severe weather is not expected to be as intense as it was earlier this week. When severe weather is not happening, those living or visiting the area can expect dangerous levels of heat, with air temperatures expected to reach the high 90s.
More Severe Weather Expected
I know it sounds like a broken record at this point, but more severe weather is in the forecast for Saturday, June 17th. As you can see from the maps above, a cold front is expected to move south and collide with a stationary front associated with a center of low pressure. By Saturday night, the low pressure is expected to move north, and the cold front is expected to move east and be replaced by a stationary front. The cold front and stationary front are expected to collide in the forecast region, which will create instability in the atmosphere, leading to the risk of severe thunderstorms. Unlike the last couple of days, the risk for severe weather will be lower, with only a slight risk for severe weather forecasted, but this could change.
What to Expect and Timing
Most people reading this are probably wondering when this severe weather is expected to impact the region and what to expect. Well, looking at the mesoscale models, the best chance of seeing severe weather is between the hours of 15:00 (3 PM) CDT and 20:00 (8 PM) CDT, so plan your afternoon activities accordingly. Looking at what types of severe weather we can expect, the primary threats are expected to be large hail and high winds. The SPC is forecasting a low chance of tornados, but one can’t be ruled out. These storms are also expected to bring heavy rain, which could produce flash flooding in the region.
Dangerous Heat Expected
Besides all the severe weather the region has seen, high temperatures are also expected, especially today. Areas further west, like New Orleans and Baton Rouge, can expect the worst heat in the forecast region. These cities can expect air temperatures in the high 90s, with heat index values of up to 115 Fahrenheit. Please remember that these are dangerously high temperatures, and heat stroke may occur if the proper precautions are not taken. Remember, the Summer months are approaching, so make sure to wear proper sun protection, drink plenty of water, and understand that alcohal dehidrates you, so make sure to go easy on Bourbon street in New Orleans.
REGIONAL DAY TO DAY FORECAST
Today: Showers and thunderstorms are likely. Highs in the mid-90s. There is a 70% chance of rain. winds around 10mph out of the south.
Tonight: Isolated showers and thunderstorms, then partly cloudy. Lows in the low 70s. There is a 20% chance of rain. Winds around 10MPH out of the south
Sunday: Showers and thunderstorms are likely, especially after 13:00 (1 PM). highs in the low 90s. There is a 70% chance of rain. Winds around 10MPH out of the southwest.
Sunday Night: Mostly cloudy with a 30% chance of showers. Lows in the mid-70s. Winds out of the south at 10 to 15 MPH.
Monday: Showers and thunderstorms are likely, especially after 13:00 (1 PM). highs in the low 90s. There is a 70% chance of rain. Winds from the southwest at around 15 MPH with gusts of up to 25 MPH.
Monday Night: Partly cloudy with a 40% chance of showers. Lows in the low 70s. Southwest winds of 10 to 15 MPH.
Tuesday: Showers and thunderstorms are likely, especially after 13:00 (1 PM). highs in the low 90s. There is a 60% chance of rain. Winds from the south at around 10 MPH.
Tuesday Night: A 50% chance of showers and partly cloudy skys. Lows in the low 70s. winds light and varible.
Wednesday: Showers and thunderstoms are lickly, with mostley sunny condtions. Highs in the low 90s. Winds light and varible. Chance of rain 60%
Wednesday Night: Mostley clear skys with a 40% chance of showers. Lows in the low 70s. Winds light and varible.
